Vol. 563 No. 4
168 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on whether young people with new ideas for businesses are regularly rejected by her Department; and her plans in regard to same. [8082/03]
I am confident that my Department facilitates any person with a new idea for business, regardless of age. However, support for entrepreneurs is a matter for the State's development agencies and, as such, my Department would generally refer representations to the relevant agency. The main agencies involved with the development of indigenous enterprise are Enterprise Ireland, Shannon Development and the city and county enterprise boards. Enterprise Ireland assists small and medium sized Irish companies in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. Included in the agency's remit is responsibility for supporting high potential start-up companies, HPSUs, which are often high technology companies established by young people.
Shannon Development programmes are open to all age groups, with the determining factor being the business potential, both of the promoter(s) and the business idea itself. Shannon Development has strong links with young graduates, either through its VentureStart programmes, its liaison with various academic institutions and its sponsorship of student awards. The city and county enterprise boards continue to work actively in helping new and existing micro-enterprises in the county. As well as capital and employment grants, there are special strategies in place for entrepreneurs and a comprehensive programme of development and support programmes designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow.
